War zone veteran gunned down by Cumbria killer just yards from home

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Jennifer and James Jackson

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Gary Purdham

War hero Kenneth Fishburn served in the world's worst troublespots during a 25-year military career. But his life ended only 50 yards from his gate when he was shot by crazed Derrick Bird.

Today his family paid an emotional tribute to the serviceman who became a peacekeeper with the UN. In a dignified statement, released alongside the first picture of Mr Fishburn, 71, they remembered him as a "quiet, private and affable" man.

"Ken was a brother, brother-in-law and uncle," they said. "He was a lifetime Army man, having served 25 years in the forces, serving with the Durham Light Infantry which took him all over the world. A further five years were served as a reservist, involving six months each year with the UN peacekeeping force, again worldwide."

Mr Fishburn, who was shot outside his home in Egremont, was the fifth of 12 victims killed in Bird's three-hour rampage across Cumbria. After his service career he worked as a security officer at the Sellafield nuclear plant.

Today David Cameron arrived at the scene of the tragedy and said everything possible would be done to prevent a repeat. He and Home Secretary Theresa May met senior police officers investigating the killing spree.

The Prime Minister also met NHS staff who were at the front line on Wednesday when the massacre took place.

New pictures of the dead were released as stricken relatives were offered counselling to cope with the tragedy that has devastated the county.

Church services have been organised to comfort those devastated by the shootings, with a number of vigils and ceremonies over the weekend. Church leaders have promised to offer long-term support for the communities involved in the shootings.

The family of two murdered pensioners said today they were "wonderful, quiet, loving people".

Jennifer Jackson, 68, and her husband James, 67, were found dead in the pretty hamlet of Wilton. One resident said Bird sounded his car horn before turning around and shooting Mrs Jackson. Her husband was killed as he went to look for her.

Their family said in a statement: "They were wonderful, quiet, loving people right at the heart of the community. Everyone here is in shock at this tragedy, trying to make sense of all that has happened.

Tributes were also paid to Jane Robinson, 66, who was shot dead near her home in Seascale.

Her grieving twin sister Barrie said: "She was the best sister I could ever have and as twins we were especially close. Her kindness to people also extended to animals and birds. She was caring, considerate and generous."

The family of Michael Pike, 64, shot as he rode his bicycle in Seascale, paid tribute to a "kind, brave and generous husband, father and grandfather".

Relatives of Isaac Dixon, 65, who was shot on the side of the road between Hale and Egremont, said: "He will be sadly missed by his partner Pat, his sons Martin and Wayne, his six grandchildren, his sisters Margaret and Jean and his surviving brother Thomas."